Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Thamtapan Temple

Phang-Nga Province


This unusual Buddhist complex (the name means 'Heaven and Hell' temple) has cave shrines, a dragon tunnel and a collection of grotesque figures representing life in hell for sinners. Children may be taken aback by the sometimes brutal depictions that appear better suited for a haunted house. Climb a steep staircase to reach a pavilion affording awesome views of the valley.

While the statues here may be shocking for Westerners, this place offers a strong reminder to Thais about the penalties for wrongdoing, and represents a unique opportunity to better understand Thai culture and philosophy.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Phang-Nga Province attractions

1. Phung Chang Cave

1.1 MILES

A dam at the mouth of this cave created an artificial river, which visitors can explore, first by kayak and then bamboo raft as the cave narrows…

2. Ko Panyi

9.16 MILES

A stilted Muslim village clings to this small karst island, where most tours dock for lunch. It's busy, but Ao Phang-Nga tour operators can arrange for…

3. Ao Phang-Nga National Park

10.77 MILES

Established in 1981, 400-sq-km Ao Phang-Nga National Park is famous for its classic karst scenery. Huge vertical cliffs dominate its 42 islands, some with…

4. Ko Khao Phing Kan

12.48 MILES

Ao Phang-Nga's top tourist drawcard is known to Thais as Ko Phing Kan (‘Leaning on Itself Island’). Used as a location setting in the James Bond film The…

5. Ton Chongfa Waterfall

21.55 MILES

This tiered waterfall makes for a nice half-day trip away from the beach. You can reach the park entrance by travelling 5.3km from the main road. From the…

6. Khao Lak/Lam Ru National Park

22.94 MILES

Immediately south of Hat Khao Lak, this vast 125-sq-km park is a collage of sea cliffs, 1000m-high hills, beaches, estuaries, waterfalls, forested valleys…

7. Tsunami Museums

23.72 MILES

Tsunami museums have become something of a cottage industry in Khao Lak. Several have popped up in shops located close to Boat 813 – at least four at the…

8. Boat 813

23.73 MILES

This police boat was hurled into an open field 1km inland from Hat Bang Niang (2.5km north of central Khao Lak) by the powerful 2004 Boxing Day tsunami…